Schoolboy passenger critically injured

The injured boy was a passenger in a VW camper van

A 12-year-old Pudsey boy is fighting for his life after being cut free from the wreckage of a car crash.

The schoolboy suffered serious head and leg injuries after the car he was in was in collision with a stationary articulated lorry.

The boy, who has not been named, was trapped for more than an hour in the front passenger seat of a yellow and white Volkswagen camper van.

He was eventually freed by soldiers using specialist cutting equipment.

Emergency surgery

The boy was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in a critical condition.

The incident took place at 1910 GMT on Thursday in Middleton Grove, Beeston.

Soldiers standing in for striking firefighters released him from the wreckage by 2026 GMT.

Police are investigating and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.